Thunder Bay Library Workers Begin Strike to Defend Jobs and Public Services: ‘We’re Prepared to Fight for as Long as It Takes’

THUNDER BAY, ON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 70 workers at the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) began a legal strike at 12:01 a.m. this morning, following the employer’s decision to walk away from the bargaining table late last night.

“With so many concessions still on the table, our members had no choice but to strike,” said Margaret Demillo, President of CUPE 3120, which represents over 60 TBPL workers. “We’re defending our jobs and working conditions, but also the services we provide to the community.”

The workers had been trying to get a deal since 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, but negotiations came to a halt when Library CEO Richard Togman abruptly left bargaining to attend an election-related social event in the evening.

“We were shocked when the employer disappeared just hours before the strike deadline,” said Jana O’Flaherty, Vice President of CUPE 3120 and a member of the bargaining team. “When the CEO finally returned, he told us the Board had no plans to change its position and would continue to insist on concessions.”

The employer’s demands include the removal or reduction of vacation days and health and retiree benefits, among other claw-backs. In a memo to City Council, CEO Togman described the employer’s offer as “generous,” despite the set-backs it represents for library workers.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. today, picket lines will go up at two locations: Waverley branch, 285 Red River Road, and Mary JL Black branch, 901 Edward Street South. All branches are expected to close during the strike.

At 5:30 p.m. today, library workers will host a solidarity rally on the picket line at the County Park branch, 1020 Dawson Road, shortly before the Mayoral Candidates’ Forum at 6:00 p.m.

“This strike has become an election issue,” said Demillo. “We look forward to hearing the candidates’ views about how they plan to defend jobs and services in Thunder Bay.”

Just one week ago, the Library Board hosted an Open House where it announced details of its planned $8 million expansion of the Waverley branch.

“We’re still in disbelief that the Board wants library workers to roll back their own contracts,” said Deryk Fournier, President of CUPE 87, which represents seven librarians at the TBPL. “Preserving our jobs and working conditions would cost a tiny fraction of the massive sum they’ve budgeted for renovations.”

During the strike, library workers are encouraging the public to contact Library Board members and urge them to withdraw the concessions and negotiate a fair deal.

“We’d rather be doing the jobs we love,” said Demillo. “But we’re prepared to fight for as long as it takes. Good jobs and services are worth it.”

CUPE 3120 represents the library assistants, library technicians, custodians, maintenance persons, cleaners, network and software support analysts, community facilitators, and finance staff from the Thunder Bay Public Library.

CUPE 87-18 represents seven full-time librarians from the Thunder Bay Public Library.

File photos are available here: https://bit.ly/tblwphotos.

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